Nick Raynsford, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, congratulated students on their A-Level results yesterday. He welcomed news that the pass rate in Greenwich is 2% higher than last year and at 98.4% is above the national average of 97.5%. 

Nick praised Greenwich Council’s commitment to encouraging students to stay on in education until 18, coinciding with the Government’s pledge to guarantee every 16 or 17 year old a place in education or training this September.

Nick says: ‘Congratulations to all students who have worked hard towards gaining their A-Level qualifications this year, and my thanks also to the support of their parents and teachers. The results are a direct reflection of the record investment in Higher Education under Labour since 1997 and huge improvements in teaching and leadership in schools and colleges’.

Nick also welcomed plans to transform the school accountability system with School Report Cards to give parents more information on how schools are performing. This would inform parents not just the average performance of the average child, but how much progress all children make and other information parents want to know about behaviour and attendance at the school.

Students who need help applying through Clearing or with a query about their application can contact UCAS helpline on 0871 468 0468.

The BBC exam results helpline on 0808 100 8000 offers expert, independent information and advice on applying for university or college, taking time out or choosing to enter employment.

For information on student finance visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance or call the Student Loans Company directly on 0845 30050 90 for one-to-one advice.

There is now a page on DirectGov that brings together all advice for school, college and university leavers in one place. Visit hhtp://whatsnext.direct.gov.uk/ for more details.